GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations, and it is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). GRE examinations are classified into two types: general and subject tests.
The GRE General Test is a standardized computer-based test with multiple-choice questions that is recognised by many graduate and business institutions worldwide.
The GRE Subject test, on the other hand, is a paper-based exam, and its results can be utilized by fellowship panels or admissions committees to bolster your undergraduate records, other qualifications, and reference letters.
Educational Trust Service (ETS) administers the GRE. It is available in two formats: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The GRE General test assesses candidates' abilities in verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking.
The GRE Subject exam focuses on a single field of study and assesses candidates' knowledge in subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, psychology, English literature, and so on.
As a result, you may use the GRE topic test to showcase your skills in a particular field, such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Literature, and so on.
Candidates who wish to take the GRE exam must pay a GRE exam fee of US $228. The GRE Subject Test Fee is $150 USD for those who decide to take the test.
What is the GRE Exam?
GRE is an abbreviation for Graduate Record Examination. It is a standardized exam used to gain admission to numerous Masters, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programmes in sciences, art, commerce, and law in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other native English speaking nations.
As a result, students who wish to pursue master's, MBA, or Ph.D. degrees from reputable institutions or universities must take the GRE General Test.
Every year, over 500,000 individuals take the GRE exam, and over 1200 business schools across the world recognise the GRE result.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching developed the exam in 1936. It has experienced various changes throughout the years.
GRE Highlights
An outline of the GRE is provided below:
| Particulars |
Details |
| GRE Full Form |
Graduate Record Examinations |
| Official Website |
https://www.ets.org/gre |
| Conducted by |
ETS – Educational Testing Service |
| Types of Format |
Computer-delivered and Paper-Delivered |
| Types of GRE |
General and subject test |
| GRE Fees |
The general exam costs $ 205 globally. The topic test for the GRE costs $150. |
| GRE Validity |
5 years |
| GRE Sections |
Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are among the sections. The GRE subject test does not include any parts. |
| Scores/grades used by |
Most graduate schools in the United States, and only a few in other countries |
| Countries/Regions |
There are around 1,000 exam centres in over 160 countries. |
| Calculator Allowed |
Yes |
| Scratchpad Allowed |
For paper GRE, you may utilise the exam booklet to take notes, although computer-delivered test sheets will be handed at the facility. |
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test, developed and administered by ETS, is a standardized test used to assess a candidate's overall intellectual preparation for graduate school.
This test assesses a candidate's analytical writing abilities, numerical abilities, and verbal thinking ability. The GRE Exam is given throughout the year, and applicants can take the GRE General Test whenever they like.
Students seeking admission to MS courses, as well as a few MBA courses and professional courses at the graduate level, must take the GRE General Test.
As the majority of colleges throughout the world begin to accept GRE results, an increasing number of students take the GRE exam. There are three different formats for the GRE General Test:
- GRE Computer-Based Test: The GRE Computer-Based Test is the GRE General Test administered on a computer at a GRE-approved testing center.
Candidates should be aware that GRE Computer Based Tests are offered in all countries with an Internet connection and computer technology.
- GRE Paper Based Test: GRE Paper Based Test is a GRE test that is done offline in locations with restricted Internet or computer connectivity.
The GRE Paper Based Test is a pen-and-paper GRE exam. In India, aspirants must take the GRE Computer-Based Test.
- GRE at Home Test: The GRE at Home is a GRE General Test that may be taken in the comfort of the applicants' homes. The GRE at Home was developed during the pandemic to prioritise student safety, and the GRE exam has been intended to be administered from home as long as the applicant meets the system criteria pre-determined by ETS and has a suitable atmosphere for the duration of the GRE at Home Test.
GRE Subject Test
The GRE Subject Test assesses students' knowledge in a specific subject. It should be noted that only Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology are included in the GRE Subject Tests. Biology and English Literature GRE Subject Tests will be phased out in May 2021.
According to the GRE score policy, these exam scores will be reportable for the next five years.
This test is often required for entrance to specialised courses/technical programmes. The GRE Subject test is administered on paper three times each year.
GRE Subject Tests are administered in September, October, and April of each year. The overall duration of the GRE Subject exam is 2 hours and 50 minutes, and candidates must appear for only one of the topics listed below:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Importance of GRE Exam
Aside from that, there is a rising tendency of business schools accepting GRE results instead of the standard business school entry exam, the GMAT.
There are also a few, but rising, law schools in the United States that accept the GRE as an alternative to the LSAT, the traditional law school entry exam.
The optimal time to take the GRE exam, according to GRE experts, is 60 to 90 days before their first university application deadline. This manner, candidates would have adequate time to retake the GRE test if necessary.
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